Lets talk about C-Sections

 Hi friends,

Lets talk about C-sections.

Firstly, I just want to say I salute all mothers who have endured any or all types of labour and delivery. Labour is hard, labour is painful, labour feels like forever. You are all strong, wonderful, amazing humans and I stand with you.

When it comes to delivery (not the amazon parcel to your doorstep type) there are a few options that come to mind. You can give birth in hospital, at home, midwifery units (if available), theatre. You could have an all natural drug free labour, induced labour, forceps and other surgical tools required or caesarean section (c section). But we all have one common goal at the end of it, to have our babies out in the world.

As a 2 time c-section momma, I can only speak of my personal experience on this. I am fully aware that not everyone's experience will be the same but hopefully some of this article will resonate with some of you wonderful women.

Have you ever heard the phrase c-sections are not real labour? C-sections are the easy way out? C-sections are easy, you dont have to deal with the live stitches? Let me tell you, I have heard this so many times and it is VERY insulting and really hurtful to be absolutely honest.

Let's look at what a c-section is.

According to the NHS site:

A caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb.

The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.

A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.

That's right folks, a c-section is MAJOR abdominal surgery. In fact, it is one of the only surgeries where 7 layers of tissue are opened up and the mother is expected to stand up 6 hours later whilst also taking care of their newborn. We still get the uterine contractions, we still get the ridiculously heavy bleeding, we still have to learn to walk and pee and poop and bathe as quickly as possible - all whilst supporting our babies. Lets not forget the searing pain that comes from the wound itself once the drugs have worn off. Lets not forget making sure our wound doesn't get infected and our scar heals properly. Lets not forget the first ride home where it feels like all your insides are moving inside of you with every bump of the car ride. Lets not forget the tears of having to roll yourself up out of the bed for the hourly feeds as the pain intensifies. Lets not forget being told you cant have more than x amount of babies due to scar rupture causing internal damage. There are so many lets not forgets but I'm sure you get the picture here...

Please understand us c-section mommas may not have had a choice in the matter. Sometimes there are elements outside of our control which meant that the safest way to deliver our baby is via surgery. But this doesn't make us any less of a woman because we didn't have our babies the 'natural' way. This doesn't mean we opted for the 'easy way out'. I dont believe any form of labour and delivery is an 'easy option'. But there certainly is a real stigma around this and it really can be damaging and triggering for some women who have struggled with their c-section and post recovery.

So if you are a c-section momma, well done, because the surgery and the recovery is complex and long but you made it. And if you aren't a c-section momma thank you for understanding that there is no form of 'normal' delivery and that we have all been blessed with the title of momma in some form or another.

All the best,

Momma